By Jenni Wirtz | 17 October, 2019
First Line Ltd Highlights The Change In New Thermostat Components
Due to an increase in overheating issues on popular Citroën, Peugeot and Mini applications, the original equipment (OE) manufacturers have made several changes to the design and specification of the original thermostat to improve its capabilities. However, these changes have caused confusion within the aftermarket.
Confusion around this new specification of thermostat may lead to unnecessary returns, and therefore time for workshops, so it is vital for technicians to recognise this new thermostat and understand the difference in order to install it. As a prominent supplier of premium quality products, First Line Ltd is dedicated to informing technicians about these developments to ensure a hassle free installation.
Originally, this component was a wax thermostat and had a temperature sensor that was a 4-pin connector joining it to the wiring loom. This version however was problematic, as the temperature sensor often malfunctioned, leading to the engine warning light coming on, implying the car was overheating, when in fact the engine was still running cool. Another problem was that the bleed pipe often got broken off accidently during routine inspection and repairs.
Now, the 4-pin plug has been replaced by two 2-pin plugs, one being located at the bottom of the unit (high temperature warning light) and the other remaining at the top (temperature gauge/thermostat control).
Unfortunately, this alone didn’t solve the OE problems, therefore further specification enhancements were made. The lower sensor was moved from the side to the rear of the thermostat housing, the housing’s structural weak points were also reinforced, finally, the wax thermostat has been replaced with an electronically controlled thermostat.
On some applications, when the latest electronically controlled thermostat replaces the original wax version, a new wiring harness adapter will be required to complete the installation. On other applications this may be needed if the original loom does not reach to the new sensors. To accommodate these changes, both these connector looms are available in the First Line and Borg & Beck brands; FTS3091/BTS3091 & FTS3092/BTS3092. It is recommended that Factors keep these in stock ready to sell with the Thermostat Kits.
Finally, when replacing thermostats on these applications, it is important to run a software check to see if it needs to be re-programmed/flashed to ensure that it is operating the latest version.
With so many changes made to the component, technicians may assume that they have received an incorrect thermostat, as it may look completely different to the one taken off the vehicle. Therefore, it is essential that technicians are aware of the changes and are comfortable installing this newly designed product.
First Line and Borg & Beck’s thermostat offering consists of more than 160 references and encompasses straight forward pressed thermostats, to the technically advanced computer controlled variable thermostats, as well as new electronically controlled thermostats, giving workshops a complete cooling solution.